Description
A quick and creamy tortellini dish brightened by fresh lemon and garlic, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra parmesan for serving
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain tortellini and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Lower heat slightly. Add heavy cream and stir. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce thickens lightly.
- Whisk in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Add peas directly to the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until peas are tender.
- Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet. Gently fold to coat. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of pasta water. If the sauce is thin, simmer 1 minute until glossy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon zest if desired. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Finish with chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Undercook the tortellini slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- If the sauce tastes too tangy, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra cream.
- This dish tastes best served hot while the sauce is silky.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Tortellini, Peas, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Family Dinner, Easy Tortellini